novelRona Chapter 1454 Next Step
Chapter 1454 Next Step
He turned and pointed to the breech-loading cannon: "The King, look at this."
Chen Rikui was so shocked that he took a few steps back, his face pale: "What... what is this?"
Zhu Qiwu declared loudly, "This is a breech-loading cannon, an advanced firearm imported from the West by our Great Ming Dynasty. Its power is unparalleled. With such a divine weapon, what is there to fear from the Yuan army's iron cavalry?"
Chen Rikui remained silent for a moment before finally speaking, "Envoy Zhu, what... what exactly do you want to say?"
Zhu Qiwu's gaze was intense, his voice steady yet carrying an undeniable force: "Your Majesty, Annam is located on the coast of the South China Sea, a necessary route for the Yuan army's southward advance. Now, the Yuan Dynasty's fate is sealed, and uprisings are springing up everywhere, with our Great Ming army advancing with unstoppable momentum. However, the remnants of the Yuan army still attempt to stubbornly resist. If they advance south, Annam will bear the brunt. These breech-loading cannons are a generous gift from our Great Ming to Annam to defend against foreign enemies."
Chen Rikui frowned, his eyes full of doubt: "Envoy Zhu, how could your Great Ming so easily give such a divine artifact to Annam? Is there... some hidden reason behind this?"
Zhu Qiwu smiled slightly, turned and paced, seemingly pondering his words. After a moment, he stopped, turned and looked directly at Chen Rikui: "Your Majesty is overthinking it. Our Great Ming and Annam have always been on good terms. Now the Yuan army is eyeing us covetously. You must understand the principle of 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold' better than I do. My fourth brother, Zhu Yuanzhang, cares for the people of the world and cannot bear to see the people of Annam suffer at the hands of the Yuan army. Therefore, he ordered me to bring these breech-loading cannons to help."
At this moment, Ruan Wenhui, a thin but sharp-eyed minister standing next to Chen Rikui, suddenly spoke up: "Envoy Zhu, words are meaningless. Who can guarantee that this breech-loading cannon is as powerful as you say? And how can we know that your Ming Dynasty doesn't have other plans?"
Zhu Qiwu looked at Ruan Wenhui, his gaze calm yet carrying a hint of authority: "This gentleman must be Lord Ruan Wenhui. I have long heard of your wisdom and resourcefulness, and seeing you today, I can confirm it is indeed true. However, the power of this breech-loading cannon will soon be witnessed by all of you. As for the plans of our Great Ming..." Zhu Qiwu paused, then raised his voice, "Our Great Ming is determined to overthrow the tyranny of the Yuan Dynasty and restore peace and prosperity to the people. If Annam and our Great Ming can join hands to resist the Yuan army, once the world is at peace, Annam can naturally maintain its own tranquility. Isn't this a win-win situation?"
Chen Rikui nodded slightly, seemingly moved, but still not completely letting down his guard: "What Envoy Zhu said makes sense, but these breech-loading cannons are so precious, why doesn't our Great Ming keep them to deal with the Yuan army, but instead sends them to Annam?"
Zhu Qiwu sighed softly: "Your Majesty is unaware that although the Yuan army is powerful, our Ming rebels have spread like wildfire, with rebel forces everywhere responding. The Yuan army is already at its last gasp. Moreover, our Ming knows well the strategic importance of Annam. If we can gain Annam's support and strike the Yuan army from the flank, we can certainly hasten the demise of the Yuan Dynasty. Although these breech-loading cannons are excellent, without the cooperation of a strategic location like Annam, they cannot unleash their full power."
Ruan Wenhui sneered: "Envoy Zhu is indeed eloquent, but if this breech-loading cannon is really that powerful, why don't we see your Ming Dynasty using it extensively on the battlefield?"
Zhu Qiwu, instead of being annoyed, laughed and said, "Lord Ruan, you may not know this, but the breech-loading cannon was only recently introduced to Annam by our Great Ming Dynasty from the West. Currently, its quantity is limited, and its operation is complex, requiring specially trained soldiers to use it proficiently. My fourth brother, Zhu Yuanzhang, is well aware of its importance, so he ordered me to bring a small number of breech-loading cannons and skilled gunners to Annam. On the one hand, it is to help Annam resist the Yuan army, and on the other hand, it is to further test and improve the performance of this firearm in actual combat."
Chen Rikui remained silent for a long time, his gaze shifting back and forth between Zhu Qiwu and the breech-loading cannon. Finally, he slowly spoke: "Envoy Zhu, even if, as you say, this breech-loading cannon is extremely powerful, our Annam is small and our army is weak. Even with this divine weapon, we may not be able to withstand the Yuan army's attack."
Zhu Qiwu stepped forward and patted Chen Rikui on the shoulder: "Your Majesty, do not boost the morale of others and diminish your own. Although the Yuan army is strong, it is now in its twilight years. Our Great Ming will not only provide Portuguese cannons, but also send experienced generals and soldiers to help Annam train its army and teach it combat skills. As long as we work together, we will surely make sure that the Yuan army never returns."
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps sounded outside the palace. A soldier rushed in, knelt down, and reported, "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! A vanguard of the Yuan army has approached the border of Annam, and is only a hundred miles away from the capital!"
These words immediately caused an uproar in the hall. Chen Rikui's face changed drastically, and his body trembled slightly: "This... what should we do?"
Zhu Qiwu's eyes sharpened, and he said loudly, "Your Majesty, do not panic! This is the perfect opportunity to test the power of the Portuguese cannons. Please give the order immediately so that I can lead the Annamese army and the Portuguese cannons to the border to meet the enemy. We will make sure that the Yuan vanguard never returns!"
Chen Rikui hesitated for a moment, then looked at Nguyen Van Huy beside him. Nguyen Van Huy pondered for a moment, then whispered a few words in Chen Rikui's ear. Chen Rikui nodded slightly, then looked at Zhu Qiwu: "Envoy Zhu, since you are so confident, then I will give you this opportunity. However, I will send my Annam general, Le Van Hung, to accompany you. Do you have any objections?"
Zhu Qiwu was secretly delighted, knowing that Chen Rikui did not fully trust him and had sent Li Wenxiong to supervise him. However, he showed no change in expression and cupped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty, rest assured, General Li is a pillar of Annam. With his assistance, we will surely win this battle!"
Chen Rikui nodded slightly: "Very well, then I will await your good news. Men, convey my decree, ordering General Li Wenxiong to immediately muster five thousand troops and go to the border with Envoy Zhu to meet the enemy!"
Le Van Hung, a valiant general in Annam, was tall and imposing, with a resolute face and eyes that shone with an indomitable fighting spirit. Upon receiving the order, he strode into the hall and saluted Tran Nhat Kui: "This humble general obeys!"
Li Wenxiong stood up, looked at Zhu Qiwu, and said with a hint of provocation in his eyes: "Envoy Zhu, I've heard that the breech-loading cannon you brought is incredibly powerful. Let me see for myself today. If it's truly as you say, capable of repelling the Yuan army, I, Li Wenxiong, will be completely convinced of your abilities; if it's just empty talk, don't blame me for being impolite!"
Zhu Qiwu smiled slightly: "General Li, rest assured, once we get to the battlefield, you will know how powerful this breech-loading cannon is. However, this battle concerns the safety of Annam, so I hope that General Li will work together with me to defend against the foreign enemy."
Li Wenxiong snorted coldly: "That's for sure. However, military campaigns are no child's play, so Envoy Zhu shouldn't hold me back."
Zhu Qiwu didn't take it to heart: "General Li, just focus on leading your troops. I will arrange the deployment of the breech-loading cannons. Let's set off immediately and not let the Yuan army gain the upper hand."
The group sprang into action. Zhu Qiwu, leading skilled gunners and breech-loading cannons, joined Li Wenxiong's 5,000 Annamese troops on their journey to the border. Along the way, Li Wenxiong treated Zhu Qiwu and his men coldly, frequently questioning Zhu Qiwu's arrangements. "Envoy Zhu, your breech-loading cannons are so cumbersome, and your marching speed is so slow! By the time we reach the border, the Yuan army will probably have already breached the city gates!" Li Wenxiong said discontentedly, looking at the slowly moving artillery unit behind them.
Zhu Qiwu patiently explained, "General Li, please don't be anxious. Although these breech-loading cannons are heavy, they are extremely powerful. Our focus during this march is to proceed steadily and surely, ensuring that the breech-loading cannons arrive safely on the battlefield and unleash their maximum power. If we rush things in pursuit of speed and something goes wrong with the breech-loading cannons en route, it would be a great loss."
Li Wenxiong sneered: "I think you're just a coward who's afraid of trouble and doesn't dare to confront the Yuan army head-on. In my opinion, we should speed up our march and reach the border before the Yuan army, catching them off guard."
Zhu Qiwu shook his head: "General Li, we cannot fight a war with just enthusiasm. Although the Yuan army's vanguard is small in number, they are all elite troops and should not be underestimated. If we advance rashly and fall into the Yuan army's ambush, the consequences will be unimaginable. This breech-loading cannon is a new type of firearm carefully developed by our Great Ming. As long as it is used properly, we will definitely be able to defeat the Yuan army with fewer troops."
Li Wenxiong wanted to argue further, but at that moment, a scout rushed over, knelt down and reported: "General, we have spotted Yuan troops ahead, no more than twenty li away from our army!"
Li Wenxiong perked up and looked at Zhu Qiwu: "Envoy Zhu, the Yuan army is right in front of us now. Do you have any good strategies?"
Zhu Qiwu pondered for a moment, then pointed to a high hillside ahead and said, “General Li, look at that hillside. It’s strategically important, easy to defend and difficult to attack. We can set up an ambush here, deploying the Portuguese cannons on the hillside for a commanding view and to strike the Yuan army. At the same time, you lead the Annamese army to hide on both sides of the hillside. Once the Yuan army enters the ambush zone, you can attack from both sides, forming a pincer movement with the Portuguese cannons, and we will surely annihilate the Yuan army in one fell swoop.”
Upon hearing this, Li Wenxiong secretly admired Zhu Qiwu's plan, but still retorted, "Hmph, this plan sounds good, but I don't know how effective it will be in practice. But since things have come to this, let's do as you say."
The men sprang into action, following Zhu Qiwu's instructions to move the breech-loading cannons to the hillside, adjust their angles, and prepare for firing. The Annamese troops also concealed themselves on both sides of the hillside, waiting for the Yuan army to enter the ambush zone.
Soon, dust billowed in the distance as the vanguard of the Yuan army surged in like a tidal wave. The Yuan general, Arughtai, was a burly man with a fierce face, wielding a large sword and riding a tall horse with imposing presence. Looking at the empty valley ahead, he secretly gloated, "Hmph, these Annamese troops are truly cowards. Hearing of our Yuan army's arrival, they're too frightened to even engage in battle. Brothers, quicken your pace and take the Annamese capital in one fell swoop!"
Upon hearing the order, the Yuan soldiers quickened their pace and rushed into the depths of the valley. When the Yuan troops entered the firing range of the breech-loading cannons, Zhu Qiwu gave the order: "Fire!"
"Boom! Boom! Boom!" Several loud explosions rang out as the breech-loading cannons spewed forth furious flames, their shells streaking across the sky like meteors as they hurtled towards the Yuan army's positions. Instantly, the Yuan army's lines were engulfed in smoke and flames, shells exploding among the Yuan soldiers, flesh and blood flying everywhere, and screams echoing throughout the battlefield.
Arughtai was terrified by the sudden attack; he hadn't expected the Annamese army to possess such powerful firearms. He shouted, "Don't panic! Don't panic! These are new Annamese firearms. They are powerful, but limited in number. Keep advancing, charge and wipe them out!"
Hearing their commander's order, the Yuan soldiers suppressed their fear and continued their charge. However, they had barely taken a few steps when the breech-loading cannons fired again, and large numbers of Yuan soldiers fell.
Just then, seeing that the time was ripe, Le Van Hung waved his hand and shouted, "Kill!" The Annamese army charged out from both sides of the hillside like tigers descending a mountain, their swords flashing and their battle cries deafening. Caught off guard by this pincer attack, the Yuan army was thrown into chaos.
Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Arughtai was both shocked and furious. He brandished his broadsword and fought desperately, trying to hold his ground. But the Annamese army was in high spirits and fought with increasing ferocity. The Yuan army gradually could not withstand the onslaught and began to flee in disarray.
Standing on the hillside, Zhu Qiwu observed the situation on the battlefield, secretly pleased with himself. He knew that this battle had not only repelled the vanguard of the Yuan army, but also demonstrated the power of the Portuguese cannons to the Annamese army, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation with Annamese.
After a fierce battle, the Yuan vanguard was completely routed, and Arughtai fled in disarray with a small number of defeated soldiers. The Annamese army cheered and gave Zhu Qiwu a thumbs up.
Li Wenxiong walked up to Zhu Qiwu, a rare smile on his face: "Envoy Zhu, today's battle was largely thanks to you and that breech-loading cannon. Otherwise, my Annam army would have been unable to withstand the Yuan army's attack. I, Li Wenxiong, am completely convinced!"
Zhu Qiwu smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "General Li is too kind. This victory is entirely due to the bravery of General Li and the Annamite army. Now that the Yuan vanguard has been defeated, they will certainly not give up, and more Yuan troops will come to attack. We still need to be prepared and work together to protect Annam."
Li Wenxiong nodded: "Envoy Zhu is right. Let's go back to the city to report the battle situation to the king and discuss the next steps."
Upon returning to the capital of Annam, Chen Rihui was overjoyed to learn that the Yuan vanguard had been defeated. He personally greeted Zhu Qiwu and Li Wenxiong, praising Zhu Qiwu highly: "Envoy Zhu, you are truly a great benefactor of Annam! It is thanks to you and that breech-loading cannon that Annam was spared from the devastation of the Yuan army. I will certainly reward you handsomely!"
Zhu Qiwu quickly cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. Helping Annam resist the Yuan army is the duty of our Great Ming. Although the Yuan army has been defeated, we must not be careless. We should take this opportunity to strengthen the defense of the capital, and at the same time continue to train the army and improve its combat effectiveness in order to deal with the Yuan army's subsequent attacks."
Chen Rikui nodded repeatedly: "Envoy Zhu is absolutely right. I wonder what good plan Envoy Zhu has for this matter?"
Zhu Qiwu pondered for a moment and said, “Your Majesty, I believe we can build more fortifications around the capital, such as city walls and watchtowers, to strengthen its defenses. At the same time, we should expand the use of the breech-loading cannons, deploying them in key locations throughout the capital to form a dense network of fire. Furthermore, we should strengthen the training of our troops, improving their combat skills and fighting spirit. Our Great Ming will continue to provide support and assistance, joining forces with Annam to resist the Yuan army.” (End of Chapter)